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The Age of the Sturlungs or the Sturlung Era (Icelandic ''Sturlungaöld'') was a 42-44 year period of internal strife in mid-13th century Iceland. It may have been the bloodiest and most violent period in Icelandic history. It is documented in the Sturlunga saga. This period is marked by the conflicts of powerful chieftains, ''goðar'', who amassed followers and did battle, and is named for the Sturlungs, the most powerful family clan in Iceland at the time. At the end of the era, the Icelandic Commonwealth ceased to exist and Iceland became a vassal of Norway. Historians generally regard the year 1220 as the first year of the Age of the Sturlungs, although some wish to place its beginning at an earlier date because of the Battle of Víðines. Power in the country had consolidated within the grasp of a few family clans. They were: * The Haukdælir, of Árnesþing * The Oddaverjar, of Rangárþing * The Ásbirningar, of Skagafjörður * The Vatnsfirðingar of Ísafjörður * The Svínfellingar of the Eastern Region * The Sturlungar, of Hvammur in Dalir At this time, Hákon The Old, King of Norway, was trying to extend his influence in Iceland. Many Icelandic chieftains became his vassals and were obliged to do his bidding—in exchange they received gifts, followers and a status of respect. Consequently, the greatest Icelandic chieftains were soon affiliated with the King of Norway in one way or the other. ==''Goðar''== In the Icelandic Commonwealth, power was mostly in the hands of the ''goðar'' (local chieftains). Iceland was effectively divided into farthings (quarters). Within each farthing were nine ''Goði''-dominions (''"Goðorð"''). The North farthing had an additional three dominions due to its size. All in all they were 39. The ''Goði''-chieftains protected the farmers in their territory, and exacted compensation or vengeance if their followers' rights were violated. In exchange, the farmers pledged their support to the ''Goði'', both by voting in his favour in the ''Alþingi'' parliament and (if needed) by taking up arms against his enemies. The powers of the ''Goði''-chieftains, however, were neither permanent nor inherited. This status came about by a combination of respect, honour, influence and wealth. The chieftains constantly had to demonstrate their qualities as leaders, either by giving gifts to their followers or by holding great feasts. If the chieftain was seen as failing in any respect, his followers could simply choose another, more qualified ''Goði'' to support. The greatest chieftains of the 12th and 13th century started amassing great wealth, and subsuming lesser dominions. This may be one of the causes of the civil war. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Age of the Sturlungs」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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